When The Thing You Love Makes You Sneeze

As I sniffled, sneezed, and itched last night my parents made a remark that really got me thinking. My dad said I was crazy, that there was no hobby he wouldn't give up if he was allergic to it. My mom then responded, pointing out that I don't know any other way. I have immersed myself in allergens for as long as I could remember, and have never known a life without daily pills, nasal sprays, frequent showers, and sleeping upright to battle the swelling of my nostrils.

As you may have guessed, I am allergic to horses. While my allergies to all other animals, hay, and a wide variety of plants are an inconvenience, my reaction to horses is by far the most influential in my life. I got this condition from my father, who has severe asthma and cannot spend more than 15 minutes around horses. Even before that time limit, he relies on heavy doses of antihistamines and an inhaler to keep himself breathing properly. Everyday I am thankful that my allergies are manageable through collaboration with doctors and daily routines to minimize my exposure.

Over the years I have tried just about everything. When I was 9, I started out with one pill a day and would wear a mask while grooming horses. While the mask was effective, it was hot and difficult to breathe in and generally obnoxious. Instead, I began using a bandanna to cover my nose and mouth. Eventually, even that became enough of a nuisance that I started leaving it at home. As long as I took my pill, changed clothes, and showered as soon as I came home, I was okay. As I began riding more frequently, I found it necessary to take further precautions such as adding an additional pill at night. As time progressed, I was taking 3 antihistamines a day to battle the symptoms along with my two daily pills, which is when I realized I needed to see an allergist. Over the counter nasal sprays had not been effective enough so I got a prescription for a more powerful spray to reduce the swelling of my nostrils. This has done the trick thus far, despite my daily riding and occasional contact with hay. It has been a long journey to find the medications that work best for me, and I'm sure it will continue to evolve as my involvement and symptoms do.

Despite these setbacks, I have never considered giving up riding. The difference between my father's mindset and mine is that the equestrian sport is not a hobby for me, and it has never been. It is a lifestyle, and hopefully one day a career. I have given up my dreams of veterinary school and professional grooming due to the enclosed setting of a veterinary office as well as the constant contact with horse hair as a groom. However, I believe in my ability to continue riding, training, and caring for horse for the rest of my life.

I have not met many equestrians with this allergy, but I am sure they exist. There are few hobbies, sports, or activities one would continue to delve into despite the myriad of symptoms brought about by allergies, or the harm done upon their bodies and immune system. It is well known that the equestrian sport is a dangerous one, but this can take the toll up to a whole new level. It is a true testament to the unique nature of our sport; there is nothing like hopping on a 1200 pound animal and achieving true connection and understanding. Those outside of our sport may not understand the sacrifices we make for these animals and to continue developing a lifelong relationship with them, but those in our community do.

I may put up a plastic tree at Christmas due to my allergy to pine trees, own a poodle mix dog to limit the hair in my house, and shower as soon as I get home from any contact with animals, but I will never give up riding. These precautions and attempts to manage symptoms are well worth my love for this sport. That will never change.